RCSO warns of tax scams within Rabun

Rabun County is no stranger to scams. Whether it be someone claiming to be with the IRS or someone claiming to help you get the largest refund yet, Sheriff Chad Nichols is warning the public ahead of upcoming tax season to be on your guard.

Nichols said the best tip of advice he can offer to protect the public from potential scammers, is to use your common sense if you’re approached with a hoax.

“If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. If your gut feeling is telling you that a scenario seems suspicious than chances are it is probably a scam,” he said. “The most common things are the IRS scams where they ask for your SSN and money loaded onto a card. That is definitely not something the IRS will ask so make sure to not fall victim.”

Nichols stressed the importance of making sure no one falls victims to these scams because often times, it is extremely difficult for law enforcement to track down the scammer.

“If you do fall victim to one of these scams, it is very difficult for law enforcement to prosecute these. It’s very difficult to track these people who are putting out these scams because often they hide behind bogus numbers,” Nichols said. “Just remember that no credible agency will ask you for money especially the sheriff’s department. If anyone has been a victim of a scam, we encourage them to come by the sheriff’s department here.”